Bowman Gray Racing: A Guide to the Madhouse

Welcome to Bowman Gray Stadium, affectionately known as “The Madhouse,” where the sound of screaming fans and roaring engines have been heard since 1949. As NASCAR's very first weekly track, the legendary quarter-mile near downtown Winston-Salem is among the most iconic tracks in the nation. Each Saturday night in spring and summer, thousands of fans pack the stadium to experience the most exciting racing found anywhere. 

This year will mark the 78th season of racing at the stadium, and it's never too early to start planning a trip. Here's what to know about attending a race in 2026.

Why is Bowman Gray such a big deal? It's a great question. After all, how does a small, quarter-mile track in Winston-Salem become an icon in a sport known for huge tracks and wide-open racing? The answer is a combination of several things, starting with it's unique size. (It's literally a race track wrapped around a football field), which equates to great views for fans.  But it's much more than that. It’s the history, the drama, the families, and the personalities. It’s seating so close, fans can seemingly reach out and slap cars as they soar by. It’s non-stop, tight-quarters, hair-blazing action—all at an ultra-low price. A recent article in The Athletic might've said it best:

Bowman Gray continues to offer something money can't buy: Authenticity. Other tracks have tried to copy the formula, but none have perfected the art of entertainment like the Madhouse. It's where NASCAR began, it's grassroots, and it's an experience you won't forget." 

When are races typically held?  The 2026 season of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium (BGS) will be held from mid April to late August. Details and dates haven't been posted but should be available soon on Bowman Gray Racing's homepage. All races are Saturday evenings. Gates open at 6 p.m., and races begin at 8 p.m., though times/dates are subject to change due to weather.

Where is the racetrack? Bowman Gray is a mile southeast of downtown Winston-Salem at 1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive. (See it in Google Maps here.) The track is adjacent to the Winston-Salem State University campus and surrounds the team's football field. 

What's new for 2026? The biggest change is a new $1 million LED video board—triple the size of the previous screen—bringing the on-track action to life like never before. It follows several recent NASCAR-led upgrades at the stadium, including a new safety barrier around the track and a state-of-the-art LED lighting system installed last year to improve nighttime visibility.

How much are tickets? Tickets are $12 adults, $2 kids, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are sold ahead of time on the Bowman Gray website and on race nights at the BGS entry gates. NOTE: In years past, tickets sold at the gate are cash only (no cards), though this could change for the 2026 season. If you're short on cash, ATMs are available at each entry gate.

What is parking like? Parking is free. Signage will help guide you to designated lots, all of which are well-lit and staffed by security. Handicap parking is also available. See more parking details online here.

Where should I sit? There's no "good" or "bad" spot to sit here — every seat in the house is great — though know that alcohol is only sold in the Beer Garden area near Turn One. (You must be 21 to enter the Beer Garden.) All seating is general admission (lawn chairs aren't permitted), and fans can generally sit where they please. 

What are the food/drink options? Concessions are available throughout the stadium, but fans can also bring in coolers with their favorite snacks and drinks. Note that no glass or outside alcohol can be brought in, though beer is available for purchase inside.

What else should I bring (besides a cooler)? Earplugs or headphones are a good idea, especially if you've got little ones. Luckily free earplugs are offered to guests inside the stadium, but we prefer to bring our own. Remember the races are loud. (Like, LOUD.)  While adults should be OK with the decibels, little ears might not be.

What races will I see? Unless otherwise listed, each race night features four classes of competition: Sportsman, Stadium Stock, Street Stock, and — of course — the Modifieds. Many races also feature a "bonus" event to end the night, ranging from Demolition Derbys to Chain Races. 

Stadium Stock, Street Stock, Sportsman ... what's the difference? As noted above, each week features four classes of competition. While Modifieds remain the big draw, there's plenty of other action. Here's a quick summary of the four racing divisions you'll see every Saturday night:

• The Sportsman Division features selected late-model cars that must remain stock in appearance and run unmodified eight-cylinder “crate” engines. Sportsman races are second only to Modified events in popularity at Bowman Gray.
• The Street Stock Division Similar to the Sportsman class, Street Stock cars run with smaller carburetors and carry more weight than their Sportsman counterparts.
• The Stadium Stock Division includes foreign and domestic cars as well as mini-trucks with stock bodies and four-cylinder engines. Only minor engine and chassis modifications are allowed, and vehicles must weigh at least 1,800 pounds.
• The Modified Division has  been the main attraction at Bowman Gray since racing began in 1949 and remain the most powerful cars sanctioned by NASCAR. Built on lightweight frames and producing up to 650 horsepower, they combine remarkable speed with sharp agility. Their signature open-wheel design and low-slung profile—sitting 2 inches off the ground—only add to the spectacle. As one driver put it,Modiefieds are basically “rocket ships on wheels.”